What's In A Name

NAMES. Most of us have three names (first, middle and last). Jesus on the other hand, has many names. In fact, a book that I own, tells me that Jesus has some 220 names. Whether that figure is accurate or not, let's face it, that fact is, Jesus has "many" names, yet most of us have heard of only a few ( if any) of them, and most of us have not yet come to comprehend the extent of the promises behind each of those names. As we look into some of His many names, we are about to discover, through each one, the very meaning each name holds, and to learn the promise (or promises) linked to each name, as well. For however long the Lord desires, we will be looking into some of the many names of Jesus, with the intention of knowing Him in an even greater way, and with the hope of discovering His promises to us, through the meaning of each name. Now, let's begin to look at what lies behind a few of His names. We will be doing so in alphabetical order, and will begin with the name "AUTHOR".

In Hebrews 12:2, we are told that Jesus is the "AUTHOR" and finisher of our faith. Let's take a look at this scripture reference:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

The Greek meaning for the name "AUTHOR"(from the Strong's Concordance) is quite powerful. It means: prince, captain, chief leader, a pioneer. To us, this means, Jesus is our chief leader, He's the captain of our faith, He's our prince (our ruler and king), and because He is the pioneer of our faith (the very faith we live by), then the faith that we live by had it's origin or beginning in Him (as pioneer). So, to both look at, and comprehend what is being said here, is to understand that we walk not by "our" ownfaith (not by a faith that we ourselves have mustered up), but rather by "His" faith (the very faith contained in the heart of Christ). It is "His" faith that is imparted (by Him) into our hearts, as we open the door of our hearts to Him, and invite Him to come in. It comes from Him. Yes, we will walk by faith, but by faith that has been given to us, through Christ (by the power of His Holy Spirit).

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faithof the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galations 2:20 KJV).

Notice in this verse, it says, it's by the faith "of" Christ, not by faith "in" Him. It's not by "my" faith in Christ, that His promises are accomplished in my life. It's by (or through) the faith "of" Christ (His faith) that I am created to become the vessel He so desires me to become.There are several bible manuscripts which read by faith "in", rather than by the faith "of" Christ. The faith we are to live by (and yes, we are to live by faith), has been given to us by Jesus, the AUTHOR of that faith,and it is not that of our ourselves (not a faith we force ourselves to have). The promise which belongs to us, with Jesus as the AUTHOR of our faith is this: He's in charge, and He (by His faithfulness) will accomplish within our lives (through "His" faith) all that He desires to accomplish. We only need to submit ourselves to Him, and trust Him to be the AUTHOR of our lives, to complete His work within us. Here's an example: a book has an author. It is the faith, determination, and work of the books author to complete the book. The book, itself has not the ability to write its pages. It relies totally on it's author to fill it's pages. It is through the hand of it's author that the book will be written, and completed. The same applies with the AUTHOR(Christ), in our lives, we being as the book to be written (given in the example), and Jesus as (AUTHOR) being the very one who writes, or authors it. The completion of the book is in the authority of the writer, not in the book, itself. If you enjoy writing, consider the fact, that the writing you finish, or complete, you are the creator (or author) of. Now apply that to Jesus as AUTHOR of our lives. It is the completion of our lives, that "He" is creator, or AUTHOR of. Such peace this brings, and with it, such promise! Peace in knowing that it is Jesus who will write the pages of our hearts, and with it, the very promise that what He has begun to write, will be brought to completion. So be it Lord!

Lord Jesus, we ask that You as AUTHOR, create and build our lives. Help us to yield our lives to You, giving You complete freedom to create within us, all that You desire us to be. We pray in Your name Jesus, Amen. As "AUTHOR" of your life, may the Lord bless you, and make Himself known to you this day. Be blessed! Marcia